NHL Trade Rumors: Ottawa Senators winger Alex DeBrincat linked to Detroit Red Wings

Though the Ottawa Senators have many unanswered problems, the first one that has to be addressed is Alex DeBrincat's future.

DeBrincat is a restricted free agent after a strong first season with the Senators, and his long-term future in the nation's capital is mostly unknown.

DeBrincat played 82 games with the Senators, scoring 27 goals and contributing 66 points overall. But, he was unable to assist D.J. Smith's team reach the playoffs, which was the primary expectation of the fan base before the season began.

There have been rumors of him going to the Detroit Red Wings. Michigan is his home and there is a certain allure of playing for his home team.

Mike from Top Shelf Hockey speculated on this rumor but doubted whether the team would pony up the price for him. Ottawa paid for DeBrincat with three draft picks in 2022.

"Obviously, his season was good, it wasn't a 40-goal season, but his point totals were really good. And Ottawa won't let him go for anything less than what they paid for him last year. Now, of course, teams are going to be looking to pay a little bit less than what they did, given the fact that he did score a few goals than he had been averaging the last few years in Chicago."

He also speculated that Ottawa might not trade with a division rival and would rather do business with someone in the West like the Colorado Avalanche. That's also a big if.

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Alex DeBrincat's options are limited

Alex DeBrincat

The Ottawa Senators must determine how to handle Alex DeBrincat as soon as possible. The choice might have a significant influence on the remainder of the team's off-season preparations.

There has been considerable discussion in the hockey media about whether or not dealing DeBrincat would be the wisest course of action for the franchise. But, the fallout from DeBrincat's decision may influence how the Ottawa Senators handle the free-agent market.

The Ottawa Senators could theoretically qualify DeBrincat this summer, which would earn him $9 million should he sign it, and just accept that he will likely go in a year unless the team continues to improve and can make the playoffs.

This would free up the team to concentrate on more urgent needs. Especially, since it's unlikely Alex DeBrincat would force the matter given his fair pay rise and the fact that he'd only be committed for another year. During this time, he could put up better numbers and secure himself a sizable, long-term deal.